Everton made a significant stride in securing their place in the Premier League by defeating fellow strugglers Nottingham Forest in a hard-fought match at Goodison Park
Idrissa Gueye and Dwight McNeil secured goals from long-range efforts in each half, ultimately deciding the clash between two clubs facing Premier League points deductions this season, pending appeals that could significantly impact their fate as the campaign nears its conclusion.
With a game in hand on Luton Town, Everton has now stretched their lead over the relegation zone to five points, while Forest remains entrenched in trouble, holding only a one-point advantage over the Hatters.
However, Forest expressed frustration over referee Anthony Taylor’s dismissal of three penalty appeals, notably when Ashley Young handled the ball in the final moments of the first half and later when he tangled with Callum Hudson-Odoi as he approached goal in the second half.
Following the match, Forest voiced their dissatisfaction on social media platform X, condemning “three extremely poor decisions” and criticizing the appointment of Stuart Attwell as the video assistant referee for the game.
BBC Sport is seeking a response from the Professional Game Match Officials Limited, the English professional referees’ body.
The deadlock was broken for Everton in the 29th minute, as Gueye found the net low past Matz Sels, marking only his second goal from outside the area in a century of attempts. McNeil then sealed the fate of the match, drilling home via the post from 25 yards out with just 14 minutes remaining.
There were worrying scenes in stoppage time when Everton striker Beto went down after an aerial challenge with Morgan Gibbs-White.
He lay motionless and the game was stopped for eight minutes while he received treatment before he was taken away on a stretcher. He did, however, appear to gesture to the Everton supporters as he was leaving the pitch.
Everton bounce back from embarrassment
In the aftermath of Monday’s crushing 6-0 defeat at the hands of Chelsea, Everton sought an immediate rebound. While their performance against Forest may not have dazzled in terms of aesthetic appeal, it yielded results of far greater importance, as the Toffees once again find themselves entrenched in a battle to avoid relegation.
England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford made a crucial save against Forest striker Chris Wood when the score was 1-0, and contentious moments arose when Ashley Young evaded conceding penalties.
Despite the lack of overall quality in the game, which is somewhat expected between two struggling sides in a tense situation, the outcome at this stage of the season carries paramount significance.
Jarrad Branthwaite showcased his defensive prowess once more as Everton managed to keep Forest at bay, allowing Sean Dyche’s team to kick off a potentially season-defining week on a positive note. With a Merseyside derby against Liverpool at Goodison Park looming on Wednesday and another crucial home fixture against Brentford next Saturday evening, Everton capitalized on their opportunities and good fortune to secure a valuable win.
Forest deep in trouble
Nottingham Forest will undoubtedly harbor a sense of injustice regarding pivotal decisions that went against them during crucial junctures of a closely contested match. Nonetheless, the stark reality is that they find themselves entrenched even deeper in the relegation struggle following a defeat that saw Everton extend their lead over Nuno Espirito Santo’s side by four points.
Forest displayed periods of tidy possession, and striker Chris Wood will rue his missed opportunity to level the score, while Gibbs-White squandered a chance to equalize in the second half with a careless finish.
Ultimately, Forest succumbed to the strikes from Gueye and McNeil, leaving the club and manager Nuno apprehensive about their remaining fixtures while still holding out hope for relief through their appeal against the four-point deduction for breaching profit and sustainability regulations.
Next, Forest are set to face reigning Premier League champions Manchester City at the City Ground, where they will need to discover a sharper attacking edge to bolster their chances of retaining their top-flight status.